As a minimum, you should have $1,000 saved for each year out of high school...have you done so?

SMSgt Tony Barnes — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:23:24 -0400

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 2:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:45:03 -0400

I'm about $1500 behind on the minimum.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 22 at 2015 2:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:54:24 -0400

Hell no. I had an ex who spent more than I made.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 22 at 2015 3:04 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:04:19 -0400

SMSgt Tony Barnes Before my Second Divorce I could honestly say I did, but after two divorces I have absolutely nothing left to show for anything. It is what it is!

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 22 at 2015 3:14 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:14:13 -0400

Great topic SMSgt Tony Barnes, we have to seize opportunities to secure our financial freedoms.
We would sometimes be able to save amounts as small as $15 a month when we started out. There were times early in my career that I had to cash a check at the PX to cover an electric bill (it took the PX check five days to clear the bank).....As a senior leader, we cannot allow ourselves to become disconnected from the payscale of our subordinates.

We have to remember the challenges and hardships we endured and know that our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines are going through the same types of challenges. As a young married PVT, we could not afford much for entertainment so we entertained ourselves......two kids later, money was even tighter! I continued trying to invest in my future, and made mistakes along the way but always kept a family first mentality and we lived our lives enjoying ourselves. As a SSG (and father of four), we were finally able to start taking care of ourselves and our future through savings. My point is that while we have to set achievable, sustainable goals. Those little steps we take early can pay off in the long term for our financial freedom.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 22 at 2015 4:21 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:21:11 -0400

Wow, the complexities of this one is deep.

From the simplest form. No. However... No debt. No hole to dig out of. And a "fair" emergency fund.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Aug 23 at 2015 4:53 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 16:53:03 -0400

I've never heard that but I am three years out of HS with 7-8K in the bank so I guess I have it, unintentionally. About a year and a half ago it was another story though, less than $80 at one point. That was the only time I have ever been financially worried so far. Made me realize I needed to stop making stupid purchases.